On Oct. 12 – week 6 – the game between the Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons has been moved to the 3:25pm national spot on Fox. The game between the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills has been moved to the noon spot, and will be aired on Fox.

The Green Bay Packers game at the Miami Dolphins at noon on Fox has not been changed.

Fox 11′s game assignments for that week have not been made, but it is a doubleheader Sunday for us. Chances are, we will be airing the Bears/Falcons – but, as noted, that has not been finalized.

As I explained in my preseason blog on the NFL on TV rules, the league and networks have loosened the restrictions about all NFC games airing on Fox and all AFC games airing on CBS. In this case, moving the Patriots/Bills to Fox gives both networks four games in the early timeslot.

Also, this is the first time the league has used the new option to flex a game before Week 11. Starting this year, two games between weeks 5-10 and can be moved around. This move means there can be one other Sunday shift in games through Nov. 9. Starting in Week 11, games can be moved each week.

]]>http://blogs.fox11online.com/2014/09/29/nfl-makes-first-flex-switch/feed/0The ins & outs of the rules about the NFL on TVhttp://blogs.fox11online.com/2014/08/20/the-ins-outs-of-the-rules-about-the-nfl-on-tv/
http://blogs.fox11online.com/2014/08/20/the-ins-outs-of-the-rules-about-the-nfl-on-tv/#commentsWed, 20 Aug 2014 20:16:03 +0000Brian Kerhinhttp://blogs.fox11online.com/?p=7714Each year, near the start of the NFL season, I post this blog about the rules and guidelines used to determine what games air on what network and when. There are several changes this year, which I will address as we go.

* The rules are crafted between the NFL and networks which carry the games (FOX, CBS, NBC, ESPN and NFL Network). Local affiliates (i.e. WLUK-TV) have little control in the process – and are sometimes at the mercy of the decisions made on-the-fly by the network.

* Because we are the home market station for the Green Bay Packers, we are guaranteed to show all of the Packers games on Fox. This year we have nine of those (so far). Home market status means the local station will air ALL of the game. If the Packers are the late game, such as in Week 2, if the early game is running long, the network (CBS, in this example) will cut away from it to show all of the Packers game – even if that means viewers miss a great ending.

* Starting a few years ago, to help alleviate that problem, the NFL moved the kickoff time of the primary nationally-televised doubleheader game from 3:15 to 3:25pm.

* We air every NFL game we can. If we have a post-game show, it’s not replacing a game that’s available to us. As of now, we have three “Locker Room Live” post-games planned: at Detroit on Sept. 21, at Minnesota on Nov. 23 and at Tampa on Dec. 21.

* Just because FOX has games in both the noon and 3:25pm slots does not mean we can air two games every week. The networks (generally) alternate doubleheader weeks. Sometimes we can air two, sometimes we can’t. FOX has at least one late game each week because of the west coast home NFC games in Arizona, Seattle and San Francisco, but that doesn’t mean we can always air them. It’s not our choice – it’s league & network rules. The upshot here: the on-air promos don’t necessarily translate to games on air for Fox 11.

* FOX assigns us the other games, based on regional interest or national importance. This means we usually get NFC North games. We can request a change, but the network doesn’t have to grant it. Each week, usually on Wednesday or Thursday, we post which game will have on our Facebook page, and it will be in our news ticker.

* For non-prime-time games between teams in different conferences, the network of the visiting team gets the rights. That’s why Fox 11 will have the Packers at Miami and Buffalo games, and CBS will have the New England and New York Jets at Green Bay games. New this year, however: It is now easier to shift games of national interest between Fox & CBS on Sundays. This tool may be used to even out the number of games aired on each network, or to get a high-interest game in the late timeslot, even if it’s on the ‘wrong’ network. We’re not quite sure how this will play out yet.

* Even if it is a Fox doubleheader Sunday, Fox 11 can’t air a game at the same time as a Packers home game. This year, we do not “lose” the ability to air any games because of this rule. However, the same rule applies that on a CBS doubleheader week, WFRV can’t air a different game during a Packers home game on Fox 11. (So, WFRV can’t air several noon games). The only exception to this is Week 17, when both networks get two games because of playoff implications.

* Local fans are guaranteed to see all of the Packers games on local broadcast stations, even if they are on cable (ESPN or the NFL Network). Those networks put the games up for bids to the local stations for the right to air them. I don’t know who has the rights to the Dec. 8 Atlanta game, but it’s not Fox 11.

* The local stations have no control over the flexible scheduling. For the last 12 weeks of the year – up from seven last year – the NFL may decide to change games to give NBC a more attractive game in its Sunday night time slot. Games may also move between the early and late doubleheader slots. Thursday and Monday night games do not change.

* Specifically, NFL on FOX games scheduled in Weeks 5-10 are part of the NFL’s flexible schedule plan. During this period, flexible schedule can be used in no more than two weeks by shifting a Sunday afternoon game into prime time and moving the Sunday night game to an afternoon start time.

* Additionally, NFL on FOX games scheduled in Weeks 11 – 17 are part of the NFL’s flexible schedule plan. After consultation with FOX Sports, the NFL will determine start times on these dates, with a game or games possibly moving to the late afternoon broadcast window.

* There is another new wrinkle to the schedule this year: a Sunday morning game. Detroit plays Atlanta in London on Oct. 26. The pregame show starts at 8am, with game coverage at 8:30am. We will have one other game that day.

* While there are few preseason games on network television, the rights to the majority of preseason games are sold by the teams to stations of their choosing. The rules described above generally don’t apply to the preseason.

Given all of that, here is the tentative schedule for the NFL on Fox 11. Remember, the assignments for the non-Packers games very possibly could change based on how the year develops – so please don’t call in December complaining we aren’t airing a specific game just because it’s on this list now. That said, we should have games in all of these timeslots.

]]>http://blogs.fox11online.com/2014/08/20/the-ins-outs-of-the-rules-about-the-nfl-on-tv/feed/0Details for the baseball ‘game of the week’ on Fox 11http://blogs.fox11online.com/2014/04/29/details-for-the-baseball-game-of-the-week-on-fox-11/
http://blogs.fox11online.com/2014/04/29/details-for-the-baseball-game-of-the-week-on-fox-11/#commentsTue, 29 Apr 2014 13:07:00 +0000Brian Kerhinhttp://blogs.fox11online.com/?p=7664We’ve had a few people ask when the Fox Sports coverage of Major League Baseball will start – and the answer is “it has – but hasn’t.” I will explain.

The last few years, the Fox Sports coverage was aired Saturdays on local Fox affiliates, including here at Fox 11, starting in April. However, this year the network moved some of the schedule to the new Fox Sports 1 cable network. So, games have been airing there for a few weeks.

The coverage on the broadcast network, including on WLUK-TV, starts May 24, with prime time games through July 12. Games are at 6pm each of those weeks.

As of right now, the only Milwaukee Brewers game on that slate is the June 14 game against Cincinnati.

The All Star Game is also on Fox 11, on Tuesday, July 15.

The coverage shifts back to Fox Sports 1 after that for a few weeks. Games return to Fox 11 on Sept. 6 for the final month of the season. Those games will start at 11:30am.

We will post the matchup in our news ticker each week, and also make a Facebook post on game day.

If you have any questions, post them below.

]]>http://blogs.fox11online.com/2014/04/29/details-for-the-baseball-game-of-the-week-on-fox-11/feed/0NFL on TV ruleshttp://blogs.fox11online.com/2013/08/05/nfl-on-tv-rules/
http://blogs.fox11online.com/2013/08/05/nfl-on-tv-rules/#commentsMon, 05 Aug 2013 16:23:23 +0000Brian Kerhinhttp://blogs.fox11online.com/?p=7356With the start of the NFL season upon us, I thought an explanation of the rules governing broadcasting NFL games might be helpful. Hopefully, this will answer some of your questions about game assignments and the process used.

* The rules are crafted between the NFL and networks which carry the games (FOX, CBS, NBC, ESPN and NFL Network). Local affiliates (i.e. WLUK-TV) have little control in the process – and are sometimes at the mercy of the decisions made on-the-fly by the network.

* Because we are the home market station for the Green Bay Packers, we are guaranteed to show all of the Packers games on Fox. This year we have ten of those (so far). If the Packers are the late game, such as in Week 1, if the early game is running long, we will cut away from it to show all of the Packers game – even if that means viewers miss a great ending.

* Starting last season, to help alleviate that problem, the NFL moved the kickoff time of the primary nationally-televised doubleheader game from 3:15 to 3:25pm.

* We air every NFL game we can. If we have a post-game show, it’s not replacing a game that’s available to us. As of now, we have five “Locker Room Live” post-games planned: Sept. 15 (Redskins), Sept. 22 (Cincinnati), Oct. 6 (Detroit), Nov. 10 (Philadelphia), and Nov. 28 (Detroit).

* Just because FOX has games in both the noon and 3:25pm slots does not mean we can air two games every week. The networks (generally) alternate doubleheader weeks. Sometimes we can air two, sometimes we can’t. FOX has at least one late game each week because of the west coast home NFC games in Arizona, Seattle and San Francisco, but that doesn’t mean we can always air them. It’s not our choice – it’s league & network rules. The upshot here: the on-air promos don’t necessarily translate to games on air for Fox 11.

* FOX assigns us the other games, based on regional interest or national importance. This means we usually get NFC North games. We can request a change, but the network doesn’t have to grant it. In Week 1, for example, we will likely show Minnesota vs. Detroit. Because it is two divisional teams, that’s unlikely to change. Each week, usually on Wednesday or Thursday, we post which game will have on our Facebook page.

* For non-prime-time games between teams in different conferences, the network of the visiting team gets the rights. That’s why Fox 11 will have the Packers at Cincinnati & Baltimore games, and CBS will have the Cleveland & Pittsburgh at Green Bay games.

* Even if it is a Fox doubleheader Sunday, Fox 11 can’t air a game at the same time as a Packers home game. This year, we do not “lose” the ability to air any games because of this rule. However, the same rule applies that on a CBS doubleheader week, WFRV can’t air a different game during a Packers home game on Fox 11. The only exception to this is Week 17, when both networks get two games because of playoff implications.

* Local fans are guaranteed to see all of the Packers games on local broadcast stations, even if they are on cable (ESPN or the NFL Network). Those networks put the games up for bids to the local stations for the right to air them. I don’t know which local station has the Nov. 4 game vs. Chicago, but it’s not Fox 11.

* The local stations have no control over the flexible scheduling. For the last seven weeks of the year, the NFL may decide to change games to give NBC a more attractive game in its Sunday night time slot. Games may also move between the early and late doubleheader slots. Thursday and Monday night games do not change.

* While there are few preseason games on network television, the rights to the majority of preseason games are sold by the teams to stations of their choosing. The rules described above generally don’t apply to the preseason.

Given all of that, here is the tentative schedule for the NFL on Fox 11. Remember, the assignments for the non-Packers games very possibly could change based on how the year develops – so please don’t call in December complaining we aren’t airing a specific game just because it’s on this list now. That said, we should have games in all of these timeslots.

]]>http://blogs.fox11online.com/2013/08/05/nfl-on-tv-rules/feed/14MLB on Fox 11 schedule announcedhttp://blogs.fox11online.com/2013/03/13/mlb-on-fox-11-schedule-announced/
http://blogs.fox11online.com/2013/03/13/mlb-on-fox-11-schedule-announced/#commentsWed, 13 Mar 2013 12:36:34 +0000Brian Kerhinhttp://blogs.fox11online.com/?p=7220The Major League Baseball season is less than a month away – and that means that the MLB on FOX is close to returning, as well.

Game of the Week broadcasts begin Saturday, April 6. For much of the season, the games will be at 2:30pm Central. However, from May 25-July 13, the games will start at 6pm.

The Milwaukee Brewers are currently scheduled to be on Fox 11 six times. That could change as the season progresses.

May 4 – St. Louis Cardinals
June 10 – Philadelphia Phillies
June 29 – at Pittsburgh Pirates
July 6 – New York Mets
September 7 – at Chicago Cubs
September 14 – Cincinnati Reds

Fox 11 plans to put the listing of which game we have in the news ticker and on Facebook each week. We usually find out by Thursday which game we are airing that Saturday.

And, as always, Fox Sports has the All Star Game, which will be played July 16 at Citi Field in New York City. Fox will also carry one league championship series and the World Series.

]]>http://blogs.fox11online.com/2013/03/13/mlb-on-fox-11-schedule-announced/feed/0Converted quarterback an option at tight endhttp://blogs.fox11online.com/2013/02/23/converted-quarterback-an-option-at-tight-end/
http://blogs.fox11online.com/2013/02/23/converted-quarterback-an-option-at-tight-end/#commentsSat, 23 Feb 2013 15:07:48 +0000justinfelderhttp://blogs.fox11online.com/?p=7164Stop me if this sounds familiar: a former quarterback finds a new position in the SEC and ends up an early round pick in the NFL. That could cover quite a few players, including recently Randall Cobb, Packers receiver and former University of Kentucky quarterback.

Green Bay has a decision to make with tight end Jermichael Finley, they could elect to let the talented pass-catcher walk with one season remaining on a two-year contract. If that happens, or if the Packers still feel they’re in the market for a similarly athletic tight end, Florida early-entrant Jordan Reed could be an intriguing choice.

Reed says he had a formal interview with the Packers, he met several coaches, and it went well. He was recruited to the Gators as a quarterback, but at 6’3, 243 pounds, make the switch to tight end.

What sets him apart from other tight ends?

I feel like I can bring a lot to the table. I feel like I’m athletic, can run good routes and create mismatches for the offense. I feel like I can play a lot of multiple positions on offense, whether it be the F position or even the Y. With some good coaching and time, I feel like I can be a good blocker as well. Also I’m athletic so I can play special teams and do whatever the team asks me to do.

What NFL player does he compare his own game to?

Definitely Aaron Hernandez, I’m the type of player he is. Very athletic, can create mismatches, run good routes and use my athleticism to my advantage.

Why did he leave college early for the NFL?

I was close to my dream, I felt like I could reach it right now. It’s been my dream since I was a young guy to be able to go to the NFL and play for a team, go to the Combine. I had the opportunity so I took it.

What does he think of the Packers?

They’re a great team, great organization, got a great quarterback, great coach, I’d love to play for the Packers and help them out.

]]>http://blogs.fox11online.com/2013/02/23/converted-quarterback-an-option-at-tight-end/feed/0reedPackers legacy Stills competitive with dadhttp://blogs.fox11online.com/2013/02/22/packers-legacy-stills-competitive-with-dad/
http://blogs.fox11online.com/2013/02/22/packers-legacy-stills-competitive-with-dad/#commentsFri, 22 Feb 2013 19:08:17 +0000justinfelderhttp://blogs.fox11online.com/?p=7159Kenny Stills is not alone looking to be better than dad. In his case, however, that means trying to top former Packers and Badgers safety Ken Stills, who played in Green Bay from 1985 to 1989. The younger Stills is a wide receiver coming out of Oklahoma, projected to be a mid-round pick. Growing up, however, he dreamed of batting down passes like his dad, not reeling them in for scores.

On if he always wanted to be a receiver.
In high school, I wished I was a little bigger and had more size to play defense. I didn’t mind playing receiver and I love scoring touchdowns.

Why did he want to play defense?

Because my dad played safety in the NFL for 7 years. Just to be better than him, I was always competing with him. Playing safety and being a big hitter was something I always enjoyed and thought I could do.

What’s his relationship like with his dad?

Always him talking about his playing days, reminiscing. Now that I’m a receiver, me telling him he’d never be able to guard me. He’d always talk about his younger days, being able to cover me. We’ve always had a really good relationship and it’s always been really competitive.

]]>http://blogs.fox11online.com/2013/02/22/packers-legacy-stills-competitive-with-dad/feed/1stillMid-to-late round offensive line optionshttp://blogs.fox11online.com/2013/02/22/mid-to-late-round-offensive-line-options/
http://blogs.fox11online.com/2013/02/22/mid-to-late-round-offensive-line-options/#commentsFri, 22 Feb 2013 14:31:11 +0000justinfelderhttp://blogs.fox11online.com/?p=7149Packers left tackle Marshall Newhouse was a 5th round pick in 2010. Left guard TJ Lang lasted until the 4th in 2009. Ted Thompson’s shown he can find solid pieces for his offensive line late in the draft, and may look again to bolster his big guys in the 2013 draft. We caught up with several mid-round prospects the Packers may consider in the draft.

What he thinks about the Packers having grown up and played in the Midwest.

I’ve always liked the Packers. I’ve never had a favorite team in particular, I guess you could say, growing up watching them play the Lions every year, we always had season tickets and I always enjoyed that game in particular. Would love to play out there, have a lot of fun watching them. I like watching [Packers left guard] TJ Lang, especially, being a Detroit guy, fun team to watch for sure.

Has he ever met TJ Lang?

I’ve never spoke to him, but I’ve just watched him on TV, seen his comments online and stuff, pretty funny guy. Great player as well.

Is versatility a prime quality he mentions to teams during interviews?

I’ve played right tackle, left tackle, right guard, left guard. I’ve excelled at all four of them, I think, in my career at Illinois. It’s definitely a selling point.

What sets him apart as a player?

I think I’m physical, I’m tough and I play to the whistle. I’m one of the guys that’s always looking to finish. Whether it’s the beginning of the play or the end of the play. I think if you ask the opponents I played in the Big Ten what kind of player I am, they’d say I’m tenacious and I’m tough.

What comes to mind when you think of the Packers?

Family. I don’t know a whole lot about them, but I know they’re publicly owned, and it’s a family. If you’re a Packer, you’re part of the Packer family. I think it’s a great organization.

]]>http://blogs.fox11online.com/2013/02/22/mid-to-late-round-offensive-line-options/feed/0fragelthorntonSchneider talks Tedhttp://blogs.fox11online.com/2013/02/21/schneider-talks-ted/
http://blogs.fox11online.com/2013/02/21/schneider-talks-ted/#commentsThu, 21 Feb 2013 23:33:15 +0000justinfelderhttp://blogs.fox11online.com/?p=7144Probably the most entertaining coach/general manager of the NFL Combine on Thursday was Seahawks GM John Schneider. The De Pere native and former Packers exec covered a lot of ground, including talking about Ted Thompson, one of the key guys he learned from before taking over his own franchise.

On Thompson’s growing GM-tree, including Reggie McKenzie and John Dorsey:

Ted’s a great person, he’s a great teacher. Great leader, extremely even-keeled. I think he’s probably taught a lot of us to be even-keeled, humble and move forward every day. He’s a great guy.

Schneider asked if he can go to Ted for advice.

Does he come to me for advice? {Laughter} Absolutely, I have a great relationship with Ted, we talk a lot.

Thompson and Schneider have different styles with the media, Schneider much more open

It’s him, it’s the person. He’s a very humble, quiet person.

When Schneider worked for Packers, was he concerned with keeping things close to the vest like Thompson tends to?

I think he’s very smart, very calculating. Knows what he wants to give and what he doesn’t. I’m sure he’s just not just a guy that’s going to, you know … believe it or not, he’s very funny if you hang out with him. I’ve seen him on TV and stuff, I think he’s way better at it, I think he’s gotten much better, much more comfortable. It’s not the easiest thing in the world to do, you know. It’s part of the job.

]]>http://blogs.fox11online.com/2013/02/21/schneider-talks-ted/feed/0schneiderNFL Scouting Combine, Day Onehttp://blogs.fox11online.com/2013/02/21/nfl-scouting-combine-day-one/
http://blogs.fox11online.com/2013/02/21/nfl-scouting-combine-day-one/#commentsThu, 21 Feb 2013 22:23:47 +0000justinfelderhttp://blogs.fox11online.com/?p=7139Good afternoon from what the tropical-out-of-town-media call ‘freezing’ Indianapolis. It’s in the 30s; but when it starts sleeting later, remember I jinxed it.

We’ll have lots of coverage here on fox11online.com and on air from the NFL Scouting Combine, wanted to get you some first impressions …

–Heard from two Badgers o-lineman today, Travis Frederick and Ricky Wagner. Frederick is projected as one of the top guard/centers, Wagner more of a mid-late round tackle. Frederick’s picture is to the right … he’s a natural on the mic, seems like a guy who could lead at center, a potential position of need for the Packers. Frederick wouldn’t give preference to any of the 32 teams; Wagner had no such problem: he’d love to be a Packer.

–Speaking of o-linemen the Packers may have their eye on, Alabama’s Barrett Jones was entertaining. You may remember him from ‘shove-gate’ (his words) in the national championship game, where he and quarterback AJ McCarron got into a little pushing match after a disagreement. He’s entertaining, and has played just about every o-line position, a skill the Packers covet.

–Enjoyed hearing from Seahawks GM, former Packers exec John Schneider. Probably leader in the clubhouse for most entertaining NFL representative. Got people laughing talking about how his security people monitor prospects’ Facebook and Twitter accounts. I’m paraphrasing here, but he talked about last year seeing someone post a picture of them with drugs, Schneider saying that was something he didn’t think he could personally get away with.

–Also asked Schneider afterward about his relationship with Ted Thompson, if he can still go to Ted for advice. His response? “You mean does Ted come to me for advice?”

–As for the media experience, which I’m sure you care very, very slightly about … it’s interesting. Coaches are on a strict schedule to come to the podium, which is appreciated. Each of them I wanted to hear from today were there at the exact minute they were scheduled. Prospects just kind of show up. I can be sitting and writing my scripts, when over the PA you hear, ‘Offensive lineman Ricky Wagner is at table 2,’ and you go run to table 2 where he’s sitting. Hectic, but day one went well.

Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson speak tomorrow. Should be fun. More online later.